Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has become an indispensable part of society. The potential to contribute to economic and social prosperity is great. Generative AI is possible because models are trained with a staggering amount of information. In addition, these systems are additionally powered by people who enter personal data while using them. Many models for generative AI probably have one unlawful origin.

Responsible ahead

Both the societal promises and risks of generative AI are great. This presents dilemmas for regulation and for supervision. Fundamental rights and public values must therefore be leading. As a society, we can actively manage by creating conditions for responsible generative AI. Innovation opportunities and effective regulation can go together in this way.

This vision of the future is central Responsible Forward: AP Vision on Generative AI. The AP will submit this vision for consultation in the coming period. The vision is a guiding perspective for what it takes to use generative AI responsibly as a society.

AP Chairman Aleid Wolfsen: "The possibilities of generative AI continue to surprise. The technology can bring a lot of good, but it can just as easily cause concern. In addition, generative AI goes hand in hand with massive data storage. It is essential that the protection of personal data is also in order when using generative AI. And that as a society we have a grip on technology, to protect fundamental rights and public values. Given the rapid technological developments, correcting afterwards is not enough. With this vision, the AP shows that the development and deployment of generative AI is safely and responsibly possible."

Future scenario: values at work

In this view, the AP explores 4 future scenarios for 2030. The AP looks at the possible development of technology and European regulation. The AP strives for the scenario 'Values at work'. To get there, the AP appoints a number of necessary principles at social level. Such as more European digital autonomy, social resilience, democratic management, a well-functioning market and the ability to correct through the AI chain.

Additionally, the AP sees premises for this scenario at the level of individual AI models and systems. Such as when developers and users are transparent, identify and weigh risks, formulate clear goals and have control over the environment where the AI system runs and the data that is processed. By taking these measures, organizations can comply with relevant legislation, including the AVG, the AI Regulation and any sectoral legislation.

General purpose AI models

This vision is about widely applicable AI models that generate all kinds of outputs, and the systems and applications of which those models are part. For example, as a chatbot, image or video generator or as part of a search engine. Generative AI models can serve as a foundation for all kinds of purposes. In this view, such 'foundation models' or 'general purpose AI models' fall under the heading of generative AI.

GDPR Preconditions for Generative AI

The AP sees both opportunities and challenges for the lawful development and deployment of generative AI. That is why the AP publishes at the same time GDPR Preconditions for Generative AI. Here too, the AP invites organizations to provide feedback on this preliminary version. The AP processes the responses in the final version.

According to the AP, the creation of most foundation models is inadequate lawfulness to date, there has been a shortage due to (special) personal data in the training dates and the way in which they were collected. The EDPB however, it was established that the use of these foundation models by Dutch and European parties is not unlawful in advance.

Steps AP

Technological developments in the field of generative AI are happening very quickly. Developers and organizations deploying generative AI must have the risks to end users on the retina. With the vision and GDPR preconditions, the AP provides more clarity for organizations.

In addition to these consultation documents, the AP will take concrete steps in the near future to arrive at the preferred scenario 'Values at work'. In a European context, the AP contributes to standardizing technology.

The AP also starts with a counter for generative AI, where developers and users can share questions and points of interest with the AP. This helps the AP keep a finger on the pulse of the biggest points of interest at organizations. The AP will discuss the vision and the GDPR preconditions in the coming period and will collect input during meetings.